Conner Pulls Cup Upset, Creates 3-way Confusion

October 18, 1986|By Bill Buchalter

Dennis Conner and Stars & Stripes threw the first round of the America's Cup challenger elimination series into a three-way tie for first place Friday, defeating previously unbeaten New Zealand in the Indian Ocean off Fremantle, Australia. Conner, considered the best match race sailor in the world, lost the start to Chris Dickson, 24, but picked up a wind shift early on the first beat to take the lead, which he never relinquished. The victory moved Stars & Stripes into a tie with New Zealand and America II. Each has a 9-1 record, with two races remaining. Conner and Dickson said big wind shifts and confused seas played a major role in the race. Conner said a puff on the right side of the course put him ahead, but another shift on the third windward beat allowed New Zealand to pick up 45 seconds, narrowing the margin between the boats to 18 seconds. Stars & Stripes gained on the final two beats of the race, held in winds of 20 to 25 knots, and won by 49 seconds. America II had an easier time in recording its ninth victory, beating Azzurra of Italy by 6 minutes, 34 seconds.